We are spending two days in London because we are flying in from Amsterdam and landing in Gatwick. I have just learned that Gatwick is 4 hours by train from London?? Is that true? If so. how do my 2 children and I get to the train? and from train to hotel?? a taxi?? We may have even less time to spend than I thought? Would it be better to spend time around Gatwick??

Gatwick to London is about 20 minutes on the Express train and about 40 minutes on the one that stops!

The station at Gatwick is right in the airport, so that's easy. The train goes into London to (I think) Waterloo station.

There is nothing around Gatwick airport, so I wouldn't stay around there.

I landed in Gatwick once, got waylaid and had a wonderful time. Stayed at a hotel nearby. Shuttle bus from Gatwick. It was one in the Princess chain, but I don't remember the name of it. A historic hotel. French restaurant, pub, piano bar, helicopter landing pad (you never know!).

If I were flying into Gatwick with only a 2 day layover, I would stay there again. Not difficult at all to get into London. Stonehenge is nearby I believe & the town of Bath can't be too far.

Heathrow closer.

Tricia: While Heathrow may be closer to London than Gatwick you can reach London (Victoria Station) via the Gatwick Express train. It is my understanding that next year Heathrow will also begin their train service to London but for now you either have to take a taxi (expensive); take the tube (with children AND luggage I wouldn't attempt that...) or the bus. Depending on where you are going you can take Airbus Direct from Heathrow for to a number of hotels in London. They'll even help with your luggage. Cost for "Door to door pre-reserved hotel transfer" 16 pounds sterling (one adult with a return), children under age sixteen 12 pounds sterling with a return and children under five travel free. Have a great time!!

Heathrow is probably closer to London but I find it is easier to get into London from Gatwick (no messing about with your luggage on the tube with the regular commuters). The train journey into London is under an hour and you arrive at Victoria Station. Victoria Station is within walking distance of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, #10 Downing Street, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. There isn't much to do around Gatwick/Crawley area unless you want to rent a car. The trip to Stonehenge would be about 2 hours and to Bath a good 3 hours. I would choose London as there is lots to do with kids.

Tricia: Heathrow is closer in distance but further in travel time.
There is an express train from Gatwick that gets you to Victoria in about
20-30 minutes. There are also buses available from both airports into London.
It's the Picadilly line that leaves Heathrow and if your hotel is close to a stop
on that line than it might make sense and if you do not have lots of luggage and
small children. I love Heathrow airport but I prefer the transportation from Gatwick
to London. All a matter of preference really. Definitely stay in London rather than
out by Gatwick/Crawley - there are lots of small hotels and B&B's near Victoria station.
Have fun! Karen

Yes to the good advice above, and: Gatwick is just fine, if you are booked in there stick with it. The Express train is right through the terminal, stop at the ticket booth, then down the lift or stairs. The cost is about 8 pds. The 20-30 min. ride in gives you a great view of the London outskirts, some pretty some not, but all fascinating. When you arrive at Victoria Station, you may be a bit overwelmed by its size. If you're tired, put your luggage on a cart and take the elevator to the mall level for a peaceful cup of coffee. Ready now? This area will be very busy. Go out the front of the terminal and grab a cab (really, no other way to do it, London cabbies are among the best trained in the world). I f you get a nice cabbie, have him show you around the nearby area which includes the Palace, Horse guard, Parliment, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park. This should cost no more than about 10 pds. If more, get rid of your luggage at the hotel and take a tourbus. Also, once rid of your luggage, don't hesitate to jump on the tube. London is terrific, busy, cosmopolitan, and fun. be sure to walk around town a bit with no real destination, you'll love it, the kids will love it, you'll want to go back and you'll know Gatwick is only 30 minutes!

sending this to 9/9 for others with questions regarding transportation from these two airports

Good advice above but be sure to travel by subways. Better yet, try to fly to London City airport.